Digitization, reverse engineering, and 3-D modeling are three fundamentally linked processes. To be able to provide services in any one, you must excel at all three. If your goal is usable data or a 3-D image of a given part, Nel Pretech has the tools and expertise. Read on to learn how Nel Pretech has the capabilities to see this process through from start to finish.

Part Digitization

Our part digitization process is based on the capabilities of scanning CMM’s, scanning vision systems, computed tomography (CT scanning), lasers, blue light scanners, and other tools. This gives Nel Pretech the ability to produce highly accurate and repeatable measurements. The ability to collect this detailed information allows us to generate detailed digitization used for reverse engineering, 3-D modeling, traditional dimensional inspections, and part-to-CAD analysis. It’s this capability that is the cornerstone of our reverse engineering and 3-D modeling services.

Reverse Engineering

A step beyond part digitization is reverse engineering. Reverse engineering gives clients the ability to analyze competitor parts, to improve the functionality of their own products, to replace or re-engineer parts that otherwise cannot be reproduced, to obtain a base-model geometry necessary for editing a design, or to form a basis for new prototypes similar to the reverse-engineered object.

To understand the potential benefits of reverse engineering, it helps to know what information can be pulled from this process compared with digitization. For example, part digitization, while very useful, could be limited to partial data or rough data displayed as a point cloud. Comparatively, reverse engineering provides a solid CAD model. Furthermore, the model can show a product with imperfections removed and/or a full feature design tree. Models can be provided in a .stp, .iges, or native CAD format and it can be manipulated within CAD software such as Solidworks, Pro-E, IDEAS, AutoCAD, and others. Consult with our reverse-engineering staff lo learn more about these capabilities and how they can be applied.

3-D Modeling

The goal of digitization and reverse engineering is to provide the customer with a usable 3-D model, which can be an exact replica of any given physical part or a parametric model with imperfections such as warp, flash, and sinks removed. This process is used for a wide range of applications – from prototyping to reproducing and scaling artwork. For example, point cloud data, when observed with highly specialized software, can be used to create rapid NURBS surface wraps. The end result is a 3-D model usable for observation, preservation, or improvement. 3-D scans can also be used to create a parametric model. This is ideal for complex parts or parts that need to be recreated in traditional CAD software for the purpose of producing a base-model design.

Nel Pretech is distinguished in this industry because of our skilled team, our access to the most cutting-edge equipment and software available, our commitment to accuracy, and exceeding customer expectations. We are eager to hear about your project and to explain our part digitization, reverse engineering, and 3-D modeling services, so contact us today.